Louisiana-Lafayette defeats Troy in Sun Belt matchup

MOBILE, Alabama -- Two streaks came to an end Saturday night in the Troy Trojans' 34-27 loss at home to Louisiana-Lafayette at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy. The end of both streaks marked bad news for the Trojans.

Head coach Larry Blakeney had never lost a home opener in his Troy career -- 21 straight wins -- until Saturday night when the Trojans lost a Sun Belt Conference matchup to Louisiana-Lafayette at Veterans Memorial Stadium.. (The Associated Press)

The Troy loss ended a 25-game win streak in home openers for the Trojans, including 21 straight by head coach Larry Blakeney. With the victory, which improved the Ragin' Cajuns' record to 2-0 this season, Lafayette ended a 21-game losing streak in road openers.

The loss represents the third consecutive loss to a league opponent, dating back to last season when Troy, which ended five straight seasons as the league's outright or co-champion with a 2-6 Sun Belt record, lost to Western Kentucky and Arkansas State to close out last season.

Running back Alonzo Harris was Lafayette's main offensive weapon. He rushed for 137 yards and scored one touchdown. Troy had the biggest offensive night in terms of yards gained, but obviously not in the stat that matters most. Troy had 588 total yards, including 528 passing yards. Quarterback Corey Robinson set a school record for completions in connecting on 46-of-70 passes for two touchdowns and one interception. It wasn't enough.

The Trojans scored first on a Dean Anthony 11-yard run, but ULL scored the next 20 points on a Blaine Gauthier 10-yard run, a Jermarlo Moten 56-yard fumble return and a pair of 25-yard field goals by Brett Baer. Troy closed the half with Robinson throwing a touchdown pass, making it a 20-14 game at halftime.

The Trojans started the second half with a Will Scott 33-yard field goal, but again ULL would go on a roll, getting a 9-yard scoring reception by Harry Peoples, a 32-yard Baer field goal and 2-yard scoring run by Harris for a 37-17 lead. Troy added an Eric Thomas touchdown run later.

Shawn Southward, who rushed for 204 yards for Troy in last week's 39-29 win at UAB, manged just 33 yards against Lafayette.

Troy remains at home this week, welcoming unbeaten SEC member Mississippi State to Veterans Memorial Stadium.